By Ollie Williams

Cesky (39, centre) played for Chamonix before moving to Bracknell

Ice hockey's English Premier League player of the year, Jaroslav Cesky, has told BBC Sport he would consider a pay cut to remain at the Bracknell Bees.

The 31-year-old is the league's second-highest points scorer and has been credited with single-handedly keeping the Bees in the play-off race.

"The award is an honour I never thought I would get," said the Czech star.

"I hope I'll come back. I like it here so much that I'd come back and play here even for less money, maybe."

Cesky is likely to attract the attention of teams at home and abroad this summer, having racked up 112 points from 52 games this season, despite Bracknell's struggles in the league.

The Bees are currently ninth in the 10-team league, two points away from the last play-off place.

"There are two games left and we're still in the chase for the play-offs, so we're not giving up," said Cesky, who picked up his award from a panel of British ice hockey reporters on Tuesday.

We get everything we want here - I just hope, next year, we have a better team Jaroslav Cesky

"I'd like to come back and I'm hoping everything will work out and we'll have a better year next year.

"Bracknell is a great organisation, with great fans who stood behind us all season long."

Cesky believes fellow import Michal Pinc, who has scored 52 goals this season, could also be set to return to the club.

"Michal and I both want to come back. It would have to be a very good offer for me not to come back.

"We get everything we want here - I just hope, next year, we have a better team."

Meanwhile, a short distance away in Berkshire, Slough Jets' Peter Russell received the coach of the year award.

Russell, bench coach at Bracknell last season, has guided the Bees' local rivals to second place in the league.

"I don't think anyone expected us to be where we are, it's been a good season and it's so nice to be recognised," Russell told BBC Sport.

"It's still been tough - we played with three imports for a lot of the season - but the mix in the team here has been fantastic.

"The league is tougher than ever but this has been the most fun I've ever had."

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